Difficulty in adhering to obesity treatment in primary health care units

Obesity is a chronic condition affecting the global population, associated with genetic, emotional, social, and cultural factors. Characterized by visceral fat accumulation, it negatively impacts health, quality of life, and longevity. This study aimed to identify the difficulties in adhering to obesity treatment in Primary Healthcare Units (PHUs). A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted, using semi-structured interviews for data collection. Participants included obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m², aged between 18 and 60 years, regularly treated at the Clodomir Pinheiro Costa and Parque Araçagy PHUs in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.The results revealed significant barriers to treatment adherence, such as stressful routines, restrictive diets, marketing influence on high-calorie and low-nutrition foods, challenges in healthcare services, binge eating, and anxiety. Conversely, factors like aesthetic concerns, emotional impact, and awareness of the health-disease process emerged as motivators for treatment continuation. It is concluded that overcoming the difficulties of adhering to obesity treatment requires a multifaceted approach that considers individual patient needs, promotes supportive and awareness-raising actions, and integrates the social and cultural contexts in which these individuals live.